What does the cryptic crossword clue "Misery of a golf side that's been knocked out (1,4,4)" mean?

The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of A + GOLF + SIDE = ADOGSLIFE The answer is ADOGSLIFE.

Misery of a golf side that's been knocked out (1,4,4)

Guardian Cryptic #21778 | 14 Across | 1999-12-27 flower